ES2619158T3 - Hydraulic device, hydraulic device, hydraulic system and procedure for its use - Google Patents

Abstract

Hydraulic device (1', 1'', 1''') for hydraulic systems, preferably for water heating systems, comprising at least one body (4', 4'', 4''') provided with a inlet duct (6', 6'', 6'''), a first outlet duct (5', 5'', 5''') and a second outlet duct (7', 7'', 7 '''), and connection-disconnection means (2', 2'', 2''', 3', 3'', 3''', 40'', 40''') adapted to stop a flow of fluid, in which the inlet conduit (6', 6'', 6''') and the first and second outlet conduits (5', 5'', 5'''; 7', 7'' , 7''') are in fluid communication within said body (4', 4'', 4'''), and comprising said connection-disconnection means (2', 2'', 2''', 3 ', 3'', 3''', 40'', 40''') at least two connection-disconnection devices (2', 2'', 2''', 3', 3'', 3 ''', 40'', 40''') adapted to affect a fluid flow in said second outlet conduit (7', 7'', 7'''), characterized in that said first outlet conduit ( 5', 5'', 5' '') communicates directly with said inlet duct (6', 6'', 6'''), and because said connection-disconnection means (2', 2'', 2''', 3', 3 '', 3'''', 40'', 40'''') are adapted to be in at least first, second and third operating configurations, said first operating configuration being such as to prevent the flow of fluid from said inlet duct (6', 6'', 6''') to said second outlet duct (7', 7'', 7'''), said second operating configuration being such that a first amount of fluid flow from said inlet conduit (6', 6'', 6''') to said second outlet conduit (7', 7'', 7'''), said third operating configuration being such as to allow a second amount of fluid flow from said inlet conduit (6', 6'', 6''') to said second outlet conduit (7', 7'', 7''').

Description

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

DESCRIPTION

Hydraulic device, hydraulic device, hydraulic system and procedure for its use.

The present invention relates to a hydraulic device according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a hydraulic apparatus and a hydraulic system, in particular for heating water, comprising said hydraulic device, as well as a method of operating such a hydraulic system.

The present invention applies specifically to the field of domestic water heating systems, in which the system is used to heat both domestic environments and water used in sanitary equipment.

These types of systems typically comprise a heating water circuit and a sanitary water circuit.

The system also comprises at least one hydraulic heating apparatus, typically a gas or electric boiler for heating the water circulating in the system. The hydraulic heating apparatus may comprise, for example, only one heater; alternatively, two heaters can be used, one for heating water and the other for sanitary water, being dependent or independent of one another.

In hydraulic systems of this class, before activating the heater it is necessary to fill the heating circuit with heating water; Typically, this takes place when the system is connected for the first time; more precisely, the heating water can be, for example, water taken from the network, possibly with the addition of additives (for example, antifreeze). As time passes, the pressure or water level in the heating circuit can be reduced, so that the heating circuit must be recharged, that is, supplied with additional water in order, for example, to restore the pressure or level appropriate in the circuit and / or withdraw air from the pipes.

Solutions are available on the market in which the heating circuit can be filled and recharged by manually operating a tap connected to or connected to a water network pipe, typically the public water distribution network.

These solutions suffer from the disadvantage that both filling and recharging operations must be carried out both manually, so that, for the proper operation of the system, the user has to check the pressure or water level in the heating circuit periodically and then , if necessary, recharge said circuit. In other solutions, there is an independent recharge system, that is, pipes that have their own refill tap.

Different solutions use an automatic recharge valve, usually a pressure switch that opens below a preset pressure and closes when the preset pressure is reached. These automatic valves are subject to malfunction due to, for example, a seizure caused by a long non-operative time without providing any indication of their failure.

However, all these solutions suffer from the disadvantage that the recharging system occupies space and this may not be acceptable, especially in domestic applications, due to the small space available. In fact, in domestic hydraulic heating devices (typically gas or electric boilers), the available space is often very small both within the apparatus vessel and in the installation area of the heating apparatus.

Said hydraulic device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE8219381.

Therefore, the general objective of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic device, a hydraulic apparatus and a hydraulic system comprising it, which allows to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular those mentioned above.

A particular objective of the present invention is to fill and recharge the system through a single small component that offers the possibility of controlling the heating circuit recharge automatically and reliably.

These and other objectives of the present invention are achieved through a hydraulic device, a hydraulic apparatus, a hydraulic system and a method for operating the system that exhibits the features set forth in the appended claims, which are contemplated as an integral part of the present description.

The present invention is based on the idea of using at least two hydraulic connection-disconnection devices. In particular, these two connection-disconnection devices allow filling and recharging operations to be carried out in an effective manner.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

According to the present invention, depending on the different embodiments, said at least two connection-disconnection devices can be connected, directly or indirectly, in series and / or in parallel.

Still according to the present invention, depending on the different examples of embodiment, at least one of the connection-disconnection devices can be operated manually or automatically; Advantageously, the automatic operation can be of the electric type, in particular the magnetoelectric type or the thermoelectric type, through suitable drive and / or control signals that must be sent to the connection-disconnection device.

Some particularly advantageous examples of embodiments are those that use at least three connection-disconnection devices, in particular a manually operated device for filling operations and two automatically operated devices (in series or in parallel) for recharge operations .

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings that are provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of the hydraulic device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a top view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional view partially in section of the device of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows the device of Figure 1 sectioned along the line B-B; Figure 6 shows the device of Figure 1 sectioned along the line A-A; Figure 7 shows a detail of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a three-dimensional view of a second exemplary embodiment of the hydraulic device according to the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional view partially in section of the device of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a front view in enlarged section of the device of Figure 8;

Figure 11 shows a first three-dimensional view of a third exemplary embodiment of the hydraulic device according to the present invention;

Figure 12 shows a second three-dimensional view of the device of Figure 11 from an opposite side to Figure 11;

Figure 13 shows a front sectional view of the device of Figure 11; Figure 14 shows the device of Figure 11 in section along the D-D line;

Figure 15 partially shows a first example of a domestic hydraulic water heating apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 16 partially shows a second example of a domestic hydraulic water heating apparatus according to the present invention.

The following description will refer to the three examples of embodiments of the hydraulic device according to the present invention.

Said examples of embodiments are intended as non-limiting examples of the invention, aiming to provide the person skilled in the art with the information necessary to implement the invention defined in the appended claims thereto.

An important feature common to all examples of embodiments of the hydraulic device according to the present invention is the fact that they provide a single component, in particular a small one; thus, these components can be easily and effectively inserted in hydraulic devices and / or in hydraulic systems, in particular for domestic use.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

Such devices, devices and systems are particularly adapted to operate with water or aqueous mixtures, but the use of different fluids should not be excluded.

A particularly advantageous application of the present invention is in the field of heating by circulation of water or other liquids; however, the present invention can also be advantageously applied to the field of conditioning by circulation of water or other liquids.

In general, the hydraulic device according to the present invention is designated as a whole by the reference number 1. In the first example of embodiment, the device is designated by the reference number 1 '; In the second embodiment, the device is designated by the reference number 1 ''; In the third example of embodiment, the device is designated by the reference number 1 '' '.

The following will first describe the first embodiment example (with reference to the drawings of Figure 1 to Figure 7) followed by the description of the second embodiment example (with reference to the drawings of Figure 8 to the figure 10) and, finally, by the description of the third embodiment example (with reference to the drawings in Figure 11 to Figure 14).

For the purpose of clarity, it is worth mentioning previously that the first exemplary embodiment comprises two connection-disconnection devices connected to each other hydraulically in parallel, in particular a manually operated device for filling operations and an automatically operated device for operations of recharging, while the examples of the second and third embodiments comprise three connection-disconnection devices, that is, a manually operated device for filling operations and two automatically operated devices (connected to each other hydraulically in series) for operation of recharge

Said second and third examples of embodiments prove to be particularly advantageous not only as such, but also in comparison with the first embodiment example, in particular as regards the safety and reliability of the hydraulic device according to the present invention and / or the diagnostic capacity of the hydraulic device according to the present invention.

Likewise, it is worth clarifying that some advantageous aspects of the present invention in relation to the serial connection of two connection-disconnection devices will be described with reference to the second and third examples of embodiment, however, being such independent aspects of the presence, in these examples, of a third connection-disconnection device hydraulically connected in parallel to the first two.

In all three examples of embodiments, the hydraulic device according to the present invention comprises at least one body having an inlet duct, a first outlet duct and a second outlet duct as well as connection-disconnecting means adapted for Stop a flow of fluid. In addition, the connection-disconnection means of these examples are adapted to be in at least a first, a second and a third operating configuration; The first operating configuration is such that the flow of fluid from the inlet conduit to the second outlet conduit is prevented, the second operating configuration is such that a first amount of fluid flow is allowed from the inlet conduit. Up to the second outlet duct, the third operating configuration is such that a second amount of fluid flow is allowed from the inlet duct to the second outlet duct. The first operating configuration has been conceived as a state of operation of the system, that is, the condition in which the system is when it performs its primary function, for example when a heating system circulates hot water in radiators.

In the first exemplary embodiment (Figures 1-7), the device 1 'is substantially a T-shaped hydraulic fitting comprising a hollow body 4', in which water enters through an inlet conduit 6 ', flows through the hollow body and exits through two outlet ducts 5' and 7 ', one of which (in the example of Figure 1, the duct 7') is a controlled outlet, while the second outlet (in example of figure 1, the conduit 5 ') is always open.

The device 1 'comprises connection-disconnection means adapted to affect the flow of liquid in the conduit 7'; preferably, said connection-disconnection means are adapted to be in at least three operating configurations and to determine at least three corresponding fluid flows (at outlet 7 '), not necessarily being different from each other.

Depending on the application, the connection-disconnection means may be of the collector type; for example, in systems that use liquids at low pressures (preferably, less than 0.1 bar), said connection-disconnecting means may comprise at least one solenoid valve or a valve adapted to control the opening and closing of the shutter only through the force of its own actuator, preferably by changing the outlet section of the duct 7 '; said valve will also be referred to in what follows as a

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

direct connection-disconnection valve or a direct control valve.

In domestic heating systems, the water in the network typically has a pressure of between 0.2 and 10 bar, so that the valves described above cannot be easily used and different connection-disconnection means, such as, for example, should be preferred. , solenoid valves that explode at the same pressure of the fluid in order to aid the switching of the plug; These valves will also be referred to in the following servo-assisted valves.

Returning to the preferred exemplary embodiment for heating systems, the outlet duct 7 'internally comprises a main duct 11' and a bypass duct 9 '.

The main conduit 11 'has an opening 4'c, or through-seat, and an opening 8', which are opened or closed by respective connection-disconnection means, in particular by a tap or bypass valve 3 'which allows or prevents the flow of water through the opening 4'c, while a direct connection-disconnection valve 2 'allows or prevents the flow of water through the opening 8'.

The larger the opening 8 ', the greater the forces that have to be considered by the valve 2' in order to close the opening 8 '.

Being desirable to obtain a small device and taking into account the maximum pressure previously established in the water network, the opening 8 'cannot be too large, since, otherwise, it could not be closed by a standard valve 2', thus requiring valves that have too large actuators and excessive forces.

According to a preferred embodiment, it has been estimated that an optimal size of the opening 8 'is about 0.5 mm2; in this case, the fluid will typically exert a thrust of approximately 50 g that can be counteracted by a spring adapted to exert a thrust of approximately 100 g in the closed position.

However, these values do not provide a large or "important" water flow, that is, that allows to fill an environmental heating circuit within a relatively short or reasonable time.

However, the flow of water that passes through the opening 8 'is still sufficient to recharge the ambient heating circuit.

The complete filling of the circuit can take place thanks to a bypass conduit 9 'in the device 1' through which a greater water flow can be supplied to the outlet conduit 7 '.

According to the preferred embodiment, the main duct 11 'and the bypass duct 9' run substantially parallel along an axis AA and can be communicated by means of a through seat 4'c (transverse to the axis AA ) of the 3 'bypass valve.

Preferably, the bypass valve 3 ', which is substantially a manual tap, is integrated with the main body 4' of the device 1 'and comprises a mobile shutter 12'; said shutter 12 'can slide into the seat 4'c and, therefore, can stop the flow of fluid exiting the bypass conduit 9' before it enters the main conduit 11 '.

At the lower end 12'a of the shutter 12 ', that is, the end facing the main duct 11', there is a first sealing element 14 ', for example a gasket or a toric joint, adapted to prevent any leakage from said bypass duct 9 'towards the central duct 11' or vice versa, when the tap 3 'is in the closed position, that is, when the end 12'a is housed in the through seat 4'c.

In the central part of the plug 12 'there is a second sealing element 15', for example a gasket or a toric joint, adapted to prevent any leakage of the bypass conduit 9 'to the outside of the device 1'.

The upper part 12'b of the plug has a threaded structure adapted to cooperate with a plug or threaded element 13 'which is present in the seat 4'b of the bypass valve 3'.

Substantially, at one end of the threaded element 13 ', there is a groove 13'a which is used for the insertion of a locking fastener or pin, for example a U-shaped one, in order to keep the threaded element 13' in its position.

At the upper end, the shutter 12 'has a seat 17' for a suitable tool or wrench, such as an Allen wrench, to allow the tap 3 'to be operated, preferably by qualified personnel.

Returning now to the connection-disconnection means of the opening 8 ', according to the preferred embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the direct connection-disconnection valve is a 2' solenoid valve

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

connected to the end 4'a of the main body 4 'of the hydraulic device 1' and is, for example, of a type having an internal structure similar to that shown and detailed, for example in US Patent No. 4,776,559 of the present applicant (to be precise, it should be noted that, in this American patent, the actuator is of the electrothermal type, not of the electromagnetic type as in the hydraulic device 1 ').

According to the preferred embodiment, the solenoid valve 2 'is of the direct control type, that is, the opening and closing of said solenoid valve takes place through the direct actuation of a shutter 10' which moves through the Magnetic field generated within a magnetic core due to the electric current that goes through a coil. Therefore, the magnetic field causes the movement of the shutter 10 'on which a piece of rubber 20' that opens and / or closes the opening 8 'is mounted. In this configuration, the movement of the shutter 10 'is counteracted only by a spring that is present within the magnetic core, whose force is opposite to the force exerted by the column or water pressure.

From a functional point of view, the embodiment would be equally advantageous even if the solenoid valve 2 'was replaced by a different type of valve, such as, for example, a servo-assisted fluid pressure valve (not shown in the drawings). annexes that belong to the first example of embodiment). A servo-assisted valve having characteristics suitable for use in the hydraulic device 1 'may, for example, have an internal structure that is similar to that described in detail, for example in European patent application EP 0 599 341 of the present applicant.

However, the servo-assisted valves suffer from the disadvantage that, if the water pressure in the conduit 11 'is greater than the pressure of the water supplied from the inlet conduit 6', the necessary servo assistance forces will not be provided and the water will flow again from the hydraulic circuit downstream of the outlet duct 7 'to the inside of the device 1, that is, to the ducts 5' and 6 '.

In order to avoid this problem, which could arise, however, also in the case of a defective solenoid valve, a 50 'non-return valve or a unidirectional valve, it is preferably mounted in the outlet duct 7' of the hydraulic device 1 ' .

The non-return valve 50 ', which is known to those skilled in the art, is of the type comprising at least one hollow cylindrical body 51' inserted in the duct 7 'through a respective sealing element or toric joint 53'.

The valve 50 'also comprises an inner shutter 52', for example, having a shape substantially "similar to a mushroom", that is, comprising a rod that can slide into a central seat of said hollow cylindrical body 51 'and a Extreme cover adapted to close a suitable seat, thus stopping the flow of water.

According to one embodiment, said non-return valve 50 'can advantageously comprise some elements, for example the hollow cylindrical body 51', obtained directly from the body 4 'of the device 1'. This solution is advantageous for several reasons: on the one hand, it reduces the risk of leakage in the contact areas between the main body 4 'of the hydraulic device 1' and the cylindrical body 51 'of the non-return valve 50', while, for on the other hand, the packing 53 'is no longer necessary (thus reducing the number of components used and, therefore, the cost of the device).

The hydraulic device 1 'can advantageously also comprise a sensor for detecting a significant parameter of the fluid flowing in the device, for example, temperature, hardness, flow rate, etc.

In the preferred embodiment, an axial turbine flowmeter 30 'is housed in a seat located in the outlet duct 5'.

The flowmeter 30 'comprises a mobile element 18' and at least one magnetic element 19 'which are adapted to generate or modify a magnetic field; the electric detector 21 'is adapted to detect said magnetic field; according to one embodiment, the electric detector 21 'can be a Hall effect sensor or, alternatively, a Reed sensor.

The mobile element 18 'can have any shape and move through a fluid flow in different ways; for example, it can be moved or rotated or rotated and moved or rotated by the fluid flow; the movement of the mobile element can be free or braked or counteracted or subjected to a reaction, for example by the effect of an elastic element, in particular a spring, which acts directly or indirectly on it.

In the preferred embodiment of a hydraulic device according to the invention shown in Figures 1 to 6, the mobile element is a "driver" since it is rotated by the fluid flow.

The magnetic element 19 'is an element capable of generating or modifying a magnetic field and can be a permanent magnet, a magnetized element or an element made of ferromagnetic material or any other element

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

adapted to produce a signal variation in a magnetic sensor.

The magnetic element 19 'can be fixed or mobile, in particular it can be mounted or incorporated into the mobile element 18'; in addition, the mobile element 18 'itself can also be magnetic, for example, it can be at least partially magnetized or made of ferromagnetic material.

The preferred embodiment of a hydraulic device according to the invention shown in Figures 1 to 6 employs an impeller in which at least one permanent magnet is mounted.

The hydraulic device 1 'is arranged in such a way that, in the presence of the fluid flowing through it, a magnetic field is generated whose value and / or variation depends on the fluid flow, in particular the speed and / or quantity and / or flow thereof.

The electrical detector 21 'is a unit capable of detecting said value and / or variation of the magnetic field and, consequently, of directly generating or provoking the generation of an electrical signal, for example an analog or digital signal.

In general, this unit may consist of several mechanical, electrical and electronic components, but comprises at least one magnetic sensor, that is, an electrical or electronic component that is capable of detecting a magnetic field or a variation in a magnetic field.

The electrical signal generated or caused by the electrical detector 21 'can be detected and / or used by a control unit of a user apparatus, such as the control unit of a water heater (in particular, a boiler) in a water heating system.

In fact, the hydraulic device 1 'is adapted to be included in, for example, a water heating system such as that shown in Figures 15 and 16. However, said flowmeter may be of any other known type.

According to the present invention, and with reference to the second embodiment example (Figures 8 to 10), the hydraulic device is designated as a whole by the reference number 1 ''.

Like the device 1 '(figures 1 to 7), also the device 1' '(figures 8 to 10) is substantially a hydraulic T-shaped fitting comprising a hollow body 4' ', in which water enters through an inlet duct 6 '', flows through the hollow body and exits through two outlet ducts 5 '' and 7 '', one of which (in the example of Figures 8-10, the duct 7 '') is a controlled outlet, while the second outlet (in the example of Figures 8-10, the duct 5 '') is always open.

The device 1 '' comprises connection-disconnection means to affect the flow of liquid in the conduit 7 ''; preferably, said connection-disconnection means are adapted to be in at least three operating configurations and to determine at least three corresponding fluid flows (in the outlet duct 7 ''), not necessarily being different from each other.

The outlet duct 7 '' internally comprises a main duct 11 '' and a bypass duct 9 ''.

The main conduit 11 '' has an opening 4''c or through seat, an opening 8 '' and an opening 40''a which are opened or closed by respective connection-disconnection means; in particular, a tap or bypass valve 3 '' allows or prevents the flow of water through the opening 4 '' c, while a servo-assisted valve 2 '', preferably an electrically controlled, allows or prevents water flow through the opening 8 '' and a direct connection-disconnection solenoid valve 40 '', for example actuated by an electrothermal element, allows or prevents the flow of water through the opening 40 '' a; the two connection-disconnection means 2 '' and 40 '' are arranged in series.

As regards the direct connection-disconnection valve 40 '', the respective opening is preferably small (otherwise, valve mechanisms and actuators that are too large and strong would be necessary) and, therefore, the amount of water that It is allowed to flow through small, especially if the supply requirements of a hydraulic system such as a domestic heating system are considered. The fact that there is an additional servo-assisted valve 2 '' downstream of the direct connection-disconnection valve 40 '' does not affect the above considerations about the dimensions of the opening associated with the latter.

In order to allow the system to be filled, the device 1 '' is provided with a bypass line 9 '' through which a greater flow of water can be supplied to the outlet line 7 ''.

In the preferred embodiment, the main conduit 11 '' and the bypass conduit 9 '' run at least partially substantially parallel to each other along an axis AA.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

Preferably, the bypass valve 3 '' is integrated with the main body 4 '' of the device 1 '' and comprises a mobile shutter 12 '' that can slide into a seat 4''c that communicates with the conduit 9 '' and it can stop the flow of fluid entering the conduit 9 ''; the seat 4''c is a through hole that is transverse, in particular substantially orthogonal, to the A-A axis and is used to at least partially accommodate the valve 3 ''; in particular, said hole leads to a chamber immediately upstream of the main conduit 11 ''.

At the lower end of the shutter 12 '', that is, the end that looks at the ducts 5 '' and 6 '', in particular that looks at a chamber immediately upstream of the main duct 11 '', there is a first element of sealed 14 '', for example a gasket or toric joint, adapted to prevent any leakage from said bypass conduit 9 '' to conduits 5 '' and 6 '', in particular to a chamber immediately upstream of the main conduit 11 '' or vice versa, when the tap 3 '' is in the closed position, that is, when the end 12 '' is housed in the through seat 4''c.

In the central part of the plug 12 '' there is a second and a third sealing element 15 '' and 16 '', for example a gasket or a toric seal; element 15 '' provides additional sealing over conduit 4''c, that is, it works to assist element 14 ''; The element 16 '' is adapted to prevent any leakage from the bypass conduit 9 '' to the outside of the device 1 ''.

The upper part 12''b of the shutter has a threaded structure adapted to cooperate with a threaded element 13 '' which is present in the seat 4''b of the bypass valve 3 ''. Substantially, at one end of the threaded element 13 '', there is a groove 13 '' which is used for the insertion of a locking fastener or pin, for example U-shaped, in order to keep the threaded element 13 '' in its position.

At the upper end, the plug 12 '' has a seat 17 '' for a suitable tool or wrench, such as a screwdriver, in order to allow the tap 3 '' to be operated, preferably by qualified personnel.

Referring now to the connection-disconnection means of the opening 8 '', in the preferred embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the valve 2 '' is a solenoid valve that is servo assisted by fluid pressure and is , for example, of a type that has an internal structure similar to that illustrated and described in detail, for example in European patent EP 0 599 341 of the present applicant.

According to one embodiment, the solenoid valve 2 '' is servo-assisted and the opening and closing of said solenoid valve takes place by means of a shutter 10 '' that moves through the magnetic field generated within a core magnetic due to the electric current that goes through a coil. The magnetic field thus causes the movement of the shutter 10 '' on which a piece of rubber 20 '' that opens and / or closes the opening 8 '' is mounted; the opening of the passage 8 '', which is small, determines pressure variations in the chamber that houses the core or shutter 10 '', whose variations move a second mobile shutter, that is, the one in which the step 8 'is obtained 'which, in turn, opens a major duct; This operation is typical of servo-assisted valves. In this configuration, the movement of the shutter 10 '' is counteracted by a spring that is present within the magnetic core.

From a functional point of view, this second embodiment example, like the first one, would be equally advantageous if the solenoid valve 2 '' was replaced by a different type of valve, such as a direct connection-disconnection valve .

In order to avoid the loss of the necessary servo assistance forces in the event of a solenoid valve failure, resulting in water flowing again from the hydraulic circuit downstream of the outlet duct 7 '' to the inside of the device 1 '', a check valve 50 '' is mounted in the outlet duct 7 '' of the hydraulic device 1 ''.

The non-return valve 50 '' which is known to those skilled in the art, is of a type comprising at least one hollow cylindrical body 51 '' inserted in the conduit 7 '' through a respective sealing element or toric joint 53``.

The valve 50 '' also comprises an inner shutter 52 '', for example having a shape substantially "similar to a mushroom", that is, comprising a rod that can slide in a central seat of said hollow cylindrical body 51 '' and an end cap adapted to close a suitable seat, thus stopping the flow of water.

According to one embodiment, said non-return valve 50 '' can advantageously comprise some elements, for example the hollow cylindrical body 51 '' obtained directly from the body 4 '' of the device 1 ''. This solution turns out to be advantageous for several reasons: on the one hand, it reduces the risk of leakage in the contact areas between the main body 4 '' of the hydraulic device 1 '' and the cylindrical body 51 '' of the non-return valve 50 '' , while, on the other hand, packing 53 '' is no longer necessary (thus reducing the number of components used and, therefore, the cost of the device).

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

Referring now to the connection-disconnection means of the opening 40''a, in the preferred embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the valve is controlled by an electrothermal shutter.

According to one embodiment, the valve 40 '' is of the direct control type, that is, the opening and closing of the valve takes place through a shutter 40''b, ending with a sealing element 40 '' c moved by a thermoelectric element 41 '' which is electrically operated through terminals 41 '' a. Said terminals are advantageously connected to an electrical source or to a drive or control circuit through cables not shown in the drawing for simplicity.

The thermoelectric element 41 '' is, for example, of a type that has an internal structure similar to that illustrated and described in detail, for example, in European patent application EP 0 940 577 of the present applicant.

It is worth noting that, in the present example, the heat actuator 41 '' is of the “traction” type, that is, when power is supplied it exerts a traction action towards its own body, even if its thermal element is of the “push” type ; of course, the thermal element is properly oriented for this purpose within the element 41 '' as opposed to a reaction element or spring 40''d.

According to one embodiment, the thermoelectric element 41 '' is advantageously mechanically coupled to the plug 40''b, for example by means of a plug or bayonet type coupling system. The electromechanical drive of the thermoelectric element 41 '' moves the shutter 40''b which is dragged towards said thermoelectric element 41 ''.

The larger the opening 40''a, the greater the force that must be exerted by the valve 40 '' in order to keep the opening 40''a closed through said contrast spring 40''d adapted to push the shutter 40``by, therefore, the greater the forces that must be overcome by the thermoelectric element 41 ''.

Since it is desirable to use a small valve and taking into account the actual pressures involved, the opening 40 '' cannot be too large, since, otherwise, it may not be closed by a standard valve 40 '', thus requiring more valves big.

The above considerations pertaining to the connection between forces and sections generally apply to all direct connection-disconnection valves used in the examples of embodiments described herein, in particular to the direct connection-disconnection valve 2 ' of the first example of embodiment.

As in the device 1 ', in a preferred embodiment of the hydraulic device 1' ', it has been estimated that an optimal size of the opening associated with the direct connection-disconnection valve is about 0.5 mm2; in this case, the fluid will typically exert a thrust of approximately 50 g that can be counteracted by a spring adapted to exert a thrust of approximately 100 g when it is in the closed position.

However, these values do not provide an “important” water flow, that is, that allows to fill an environmental heating circuit within a reasonable time. However, the flow of water that passes through the opening 40 '' is still sufficient to recharge the ambient heating circuit.

The two valves 40 '' and 2 '' provide a “double safety function” since they are hydraulically connected to each other in series; If one of them fails, the other will still ensure the closure of the inlet duct, thus preventing the circuit from overfilling and avoiding any risk of damage or waste of water.

The use of two different types of valves, that is, an electromagnetic valve (which works quickly) and a thermoelectric valve (which works slowly) can improve the performance of the system, for example, by providing a slow closure, thus preventing the known phenomenon called "Water hammer".

To this end, the electrical connection of said valves can be very different, so that they can be opened or closed at different times or in different ways; however, in general, an electrical connection of said valves in parallel should not be excluded either.

In addition, the presence of valves of different types can improve safety because they are subject to different potential causes of failures.

The hydraulic device 1 '' can also advantageously comprise a sensor for detecting a significant parameter of the fluid flowing in the device, for example flow, temperature, hardness, pressure, etc.

In the preferred embodiment, a pressure sensor 60 '' is housed in a seat 60 '' located in the outlet duct 7 '' and is electrically connected, for example, to a system control unit ( the wiring harness for the electronic connection between the sensor and the control unit and the control unit itself are not shown for simplicity).

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

The pressure sensor 60 '' is adapted to detect the pressure in the outlet duct 7 ''; therefore, said sensor 60 '' can be useful to detect any increase or decrease in anomalous pressure in the system.

The electrical signal generated or caused by the pressure sensor 60 '' can be detected and / or used by a control unit, for example in order to automatically control the recharging or filling operations of the system.

The hydraulic device 1 '' is also adapted to be included in a water heating system, as shown in Figures 15 and 16.

According to the present invention and with reference to the third embodiment example (Figures 11 to 14), the hydraulic device is designated as a whole by the reference number 1 '' '.

Like hydraulic devices 1 'and 1' ', also hydraulic device 1' '' is substantially a T-shaped hydraulic fitting.

The hydraulic device 1 '' 'has many conceptual similarities with respect to the device 1' ', although it has a plurality of advantageous implementation differences.

Like the hydraulic device 1 '', also the hydraulic device 1 '' 'comprises two connecting devices 2' '' and 40 '' 'arranged in series; however, in this example, there are two solenoid valves electromagnetically controlled (although they can alternatively be electro-controlled valves or different types of valves) of the type that are servo assisted by fluid pressure.

The main conduit 11 '' 'is subdivided into three sections 11' '' a, 11 '' 'b, 11' '' c arranged in series. The valve 2 '' ', thanks to the servo-assisted movement of its shutter actuated by the core 10' '', allows the section 11 '' 'b to be connected to the downstream section 11' '' c. The valve 40 '' ', thanks to the servo-assisted movement of its shutter actuated by the core 10' ',' allows to connect section 11 '' 'a to the downstream section 11' '' b.

The inlet duct 6 '' 'and the outlet duct 5' '' are substantially aligned (in particular coaxial) and have substantially the same size (a filter applied to the inlet duct 6 '' 'can alternatively be incorporated into the duct itself ).

The conduit 11 '' 'extends in a substantially linear direction that is transverse, in particular substantially orthogonal, to the axis of the conduit 5' '' and / or the conduit 6 '' 'to the conduit 7' ''.

The bypass conduit 9 '' 'is somewhat shorter than the main conduit 11' ''; extends in a substantially linear direction that is transverse, in particular substantially orthogonal, to the axis of the conduit 5 '' 'and / or the conduit 6' '' to the seat 4 '' 'c of the tap 3' ''; the seat 4 '' 'c is located in the immediate vicinity of the duct 7' '', that is, near the outlet of the device 1 '' '; advantageously, the ducts 9 '' 'and 11' '' have substantially parallel shafts.

In the body 4 '' 'of the device 1' '' there are two seats 4 '' 'a and 4' '' 'adapted to at least partially accommodate the 2' '' and 40 '' 'valves, respectively. The two valve seats are close to each other and, preferably, have an axis that is transverse, in particular substantially orthogonal, to the conduit 11 '' '. Also, the tap seat has an axis that is transverse, in particular substantially orthogonal, to the duct section 11 '' c. For purposes of optimizing the arrangement of the various components in the device 1 '' ', the axes of the seats 4' '' a, 4 '' 'b and 4' '' c are advantageously substantially parallel to each other; in particular, the tap seat is located on the opposite side of both valve seats.

In this third embodiment, since both valves are servo-assisted, there is theoretically no limit to the choice of the respective flow sections and thus there is theoretically no limit to the flow in the conduit 11 '' '. Therefore, said configuration can allow rapid automatic filling of the entire system.

Thanks to the arrangement of the various components according to this third embodiment example (or according to similar provisions), it is possible to provide a double pressure measurement without any increase in dimensions. In this regard, a pressure sensor 60 '' 'comprising a first measuring element 61' '' and a second measuring element 62 '' 'can be used; element 61 '' 'is adapted to measure the pressure in the inlet duct 6' '', while element 62 '' 'is adapted to measure the pressure in the outlet duct 7' ''. As an alternative to the above, it would also be possible to use a sensor capable of directly providing a pressure difference.

The 60 '' 'sensor features very ingenious mechanical solutions; in fact, it uses a cylindrical body from which two ducts come out, in particular two small tubes that preferably have a circular cross section; one tube is associated with element 61 '' ', while the other is associated with element 62' ''.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

Said tubes are inserted in two adjacent holes or seats in the body 4 '' 'of the hydraulic device 1' ''. Thus, the tubes are in communication with the main conduit 11 '' 'and with the bypass conduit 9' ''; in particular, a conduit is in communication with section 11 '' 'c downstream of the shutter 10' '' of the valve 2 '' '' (i.e., with the outlet conduit 7 '' 'as well), while the other duct is in communication with the duct 9 '' 'immediately upstream of the seat 4' '' c of the tap 3 '' '. Therefore, the two elements 61 '' 'and 62' '' which are preferably located in the sensor body 60 '' 'in a position close to its outer surface, are capable of carrying out the aforementioned pressure measurements.

The proximity of said two elements 61 '' 'and 62' '' and / or the respective seats in the body 4 '' 'allows to manufacture a single pressure sensor that has a double inlet and small dimensions.

As shown in Figure 14, elements 61 '' 'and 62' '' are associated with a support element that can typically be a printed circuit or an electronic circuit; the electrical connections are then associated with said circuit to transport the signals of both detection elements outside the sensor body 60 '' '; in figure 12, said electrical connections are represented by four electrical conductors, but a suitable electrical connector or soldered contacts, or a different number or type of connections can also be used. Additional electrical and / or electronic components may be associated with the support element, in particular with the printed circuit; thus, the signals of both elements 61 '' 'and 62' '' can be amplified, for example and / or processed and / or stored (for example, by a microcontroller or even a simpler circuitry); in such a case, the measurements carried out can also be sent, for example, to an electronic control unit through two electrical conductors only, for example by means of a serial connection.

From a construction point of view, for the purpose of applying or attaching the sensor 60 '' 'easily to the body 4' '', for example by inserting the small tubes of the sensor 60 '' 'into the body 4' '', the respective axes must be substantially parallel. Also, in order to obtain an appropriate arrangement of the sensor 60 '' ', it is advantageous that these axes are transverse, in particular substantially orthogonal, to both the conduit 9' '' and the conduit 11 '' '; more in particular, said axes should also be substantially orthogonal to both the axes of the seats 4 '' 'and 4' '' 'a of the valves and the seat 4' '' c of the tap; thus, the sensor body will be positioned on one side of the 4 '' 'body of the hydraulic device.

Of course, the body of the pressure sensor (single or double) can also be incorporated at least partially into the body of the hydraulic device. In this case, the removable part may be the support (for example, the printed circuit) of the measuring element or elements (at least during the assembly stage).

Thanks to the system that provides a double pressure measurement or a pressure difference measurement, it is possible to avoid associating a non-return valve (which, in fact, is not shown in Figures 11 to 14) with the hydraulic device 1 '' '. In fact, it can be conceived that both the connection-disconnection devices 2 '' and 40 '' 'open only when the pressure at the inlet of the device (substantially in the conduit 6' ') is higher than the pressure at the output of the device (substantially in the duct 7 '' '), in particular higher than a predetermined value; Thus, there can be no risk of a reflux from the device's output to the device's input. In this case, it is preferable that at least one of the two devices is of direct control type, since this type can ensure the interruption of the flow between the inlet and the outlet even in the presence of anomalous pressures. However, in any case, a non-return valve can be used as a safety measure if solenoid valves fail.

In general, the hydraulic device according to one embodiment comprises electrical connection means for at least the connection-disconnection devices; said connection means are connected so that the operation or control of the connection-disconnection devices can take place jointly or separately, in particular through the same electrical signals or respective electrical signals.

In the hydraulic device, the use of at least one printed circuit (not shown in the drawings) that connects to at least some actuators or connection-disconnection devices and / or some sensor means can be conceived; such printed circuit incorporates or is provided with at least one electrical connector, preferably obtained from the printed circuit itself that is suitably shaped for this purpose, in particular for its connection to the user apparatus, preferably housing at least a part of said circuit printed at least partially on a body seat (not shown in the drawings).

Two similar applications of the hydraulic devices according to the present invention will now be described. These applications are examples of embodiments of hydraulic apparatus according to the present invention and would be described with reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16.

As mentioned, the hydraulic device according to the present invention can be advantageously used, for example, in a gas or electric boiler, typically for domestic use, in order to provide both the filling, in particular the manual filling, and the refilling, in particular the automatic recharge of the same.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

In figure 15 and figure 16, the hydraulic apparatus is designated by the numbers 100 'and 100' ', respectively.

It should be noted that the reference numbers will be indicated in the following without any apostrophe when reference is made to both devices, with an apostrophe when reference is made only to the first device, that is, that of Figure 15, or with two apostrophes when reference is made to the second apparatus only, that is, that of Figure 16.

The hydraulic device according to the present invention, which is a single component, is designated by reference number 101, in particular 101 'in the case of Figure 15 and 101' 'in the case of Figure 16. In the examples no limiting these figures, for simplicity, the devices 101 'and 101' 'are schematized as a solenoid valve and a pipe connected to each other in parallel and are located substantially in the same position as the flowmeter 130. However, said solenoid valve can be advantageously replaced by two or more valves, for example arranged in series, as in the case of devices 1 '' and 1 '' 'according to the invention; likewise, said manual tap can be replaced by an automatic or controlled valve.

The device 101 comprises an inlet conduit 106, a first outlet duct 105 and a second outlet duct 107, and the flowmeter 130 is associated with the first outlet duct 105. It should be noted that reference numbers greater than one hundred to describe the applications of Figures 15 and 16 in order to make the elements of the hydraulic devices included in said applications coincide with the elements of the hydraulic devices described above; in particular, the reference of the first outlet duct 105 of the devices 101 corresponds to the reference to the first outlet duct 5 of the devices 1, the reference of the second outlet duct 107 of the devices 101 corresponds to the reference of the second outlet duct output 7 of the devices 1, and the reference of the input conduit 106 of the devices 101 corresponds to the reference of the input conduit 6 of the devices 1.

In both devices schematized in the drawings, components 101 'and 101' ', in particular their inlet ducts 106' and 106 '' are connected respectively to the main entrance of the apparatus; said apparatus is typically connected to the water supply network of the hydraulic system of the house or building, that is, connected to the water meter through suitable pipes.

In the following description of the devices, reference will be made to hydraulic connections between the various components; said connections can be direct or indirect, that is, provided through one or more hydraulic devices such as, for example, valves or gauges.

Both devices schematized in the drawings comprise first hydraulic coupling means 180 that must be connected to a first hydraulic circuit for sanitary water and second hydraulic coupling means 190 which must be connected to a second hydraulic circuit for heating water. In particular, the first means 180 comprise a main inlet 181 (for cold water), an outlet 182 for hot sanitary water, an outlet 192 for heating water (the "supply" of the hydraulic heating circuit), an inlet 191 for water of heating (the "return" of the hydraulic heating circuit).

It is worthwhile now to make a few considerations regarding domestic hydraulic systems that generally comprise at least one hydraulic circuit for heating water and at least one hydraulic circuit for sanitary water.

The heating circuit is substantially a "closed circuit", that is, a liquid circulates continuously between a boiler and suitable radiators adapted to heat the environment; The liquid is generally water with the possible addition of additives, for example antifreeze, etc.

On the contrary, the sanitary circuit is substantially an “open circuit” in which the water flows (from the public network), is heated and then exits through the taps of the house (generally for food or hygiene use); Usually, a drain is available at each tap to drain the water (for example, into the public sewer system).

The two circuits (that is, the heating and sanitary circuits) are substantially independent of each other.

In Fig. 15, the first outlet 105 'is connected to the inlet 106' through a conduit that is preferably always open; near the outlet 105 ', there is preferably at least one sensor 130', such as a flowmeter; however, said sensor can be hydraulically mounted or connected in another location or another part of the apparatus or system. The second outlet 107 'is connected to the inlet 106' through two fluid flow connection-disconnecting means connected in parallel, in particular a tap 103 'and at least one solenoid valve 102'; preferably, at least one non-return valve 150 'is associated with outlet 107'.

The device 101 'has been described in a very concise manner because detailed descriptions of the devices according to the present invention have already been provided above. However, it should be taken into

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

account that the apparatus 100 'can use different hydraulic devices according to the teachings of the present invention; for example, the hydraulic device used may be equipped with two solenoid valves in series instead of the sole solenoid valve 102 'shown in Figure 15.

The apparatus of Figure 15 comprises a section dedicated to the treatment of sanitary water and a section dedicated to the treatment of heating water.

The heating water section comprises the respective inlet 191 ', the respective outlet 192', a fuel burner 171 ', such as a gas burner, a primary heat exchanger 172', a circulator 175 ', an expansion tank 176 'and a plurality of connection tubes. According to a possible example of operation, the heating water enters the apparatus through the inlet 191 '(called "return"), flows through the circulator 175', flows through the exchanger 172 '(which heats the water using the heat received from the burner 171 ') and leaves the device through the outlet 192' (called "supply").

The section for sanitary water comprises the respective inlet 181 '(called "main inlet"), the respective outlet 182' and a secondary exchanger 200 '. According to a possible example of operation, the cold sanitary water enters the apparatus through the inlet 181 'and flows through the exchanger 200' after which the hot water leaves the apparatus through the outlet 182 '.

The two sections described above (for heating water and for sanitary water), although they are quite different, are substantially connected to each other through a hydraulic device according to the invention, in particular through the device 101 '.

The apparatus shown in Figure 15 comprises a solenoid valve 205 'that connects two sections of the heating circuit; Solenoid valve 205 'is a diverter valve adapted to allow the flow of the heating circuit to be distributed between the two exchangers 172' and 200 '.

The divergent solenoid valve 205 'is connected to four tubes. With reference to Figure 15, the tube at the top is connected directly to the secondary exchanger 200 ', the tube at the bottom is connected to the inlet 191' or heating return of the apparatus, the tube on the left is connected to the circulator 175 ', the tube on the right is connected to exchanger 172'; in said hydraulic connections there are also unidirectional valves 206 'and 207'.

In a first operating condition, the heating water circulates not only in the primary exchanger 172 '(associated with the burner 171'), but also in the secondary exchanger 200 '; thus the heating water is also used to heat the sanitary water thanks to the secondary exchanger.

In a second operating condition, the heating water only circulates in the primary exchanger 172 ', not in the secondary exchanger 200'; thus, the heating water is used only for the heating system.

The component 101 'is connected to the sanitary water section as follows: the inlet 106' is connected to the outlet of the exchanger 200 ', the outlet 105' is connected to the outlet 182 'of the apparatus. Component 101 'is also connected to the heating water section as follows: outlet 107' is connected through a T-shaped fitting to an inlet of exchanger 200 'and (indirectly) to solenoid valve 205' . On the basis of the connections described above, the filling or refilling operation is preferably carried out when the solenoid valve 205 'is in the first operating condition, that is, when the device 101' is in hydraulic communication with the entire system.

In the presence of hydraulic configurations that are different from that described herein by way of non-limiting example, the filling or refilling operation can also be carried out in different phases or conditions.

The apparatus 100 '' of Figure 16 differs from the apparatus 100 'of Figure 15 in the manner in which the hydraulic device according to the present invention has been included in said apparatus.

Component 101 '' is connected to the domestic water section as follows: inlet 106 '' is connected to inlet 181 '' of the apparatus, outlet 105 '' is connected to an inlet of exchanger 200 '' of the apparatus. Component 101 '' is also connected to the heating water section as follows: the outlet 107 '' is connected through a T-shaped fitting to an inlet of the exchanger 200 '' and (indirectly) to the valve 205 '' solenoid.

Although not shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16, the apparatus according to the present invention may advantageously comprise an electronic control unit for controlling the operation of the hydraulic apparatus.

As mentioned above, a hydraulic device according to the present invention and, therefore, also

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

A hydraulic apparatus according to the present invention may comprise connection-disconnection means, for example one or more solenoid valves (designated by way of example 2 ', 2' 'and 40' 'in the drawings) of the same or different types types, and / or sensor means, for example one or more sensors (designated by way of example 30 'and 60' 'in the drawings) of the same type or of different types. Solenoid valves and sensors typically have electrical connections; in solenoid valves, the electrical connections are used at least to actuate or control their connection-disconnection action; in the sensors, the connections are used at least to detect or receive their readings.

Therefore, the electronic control unit can be electrically connected to at least the connection means-disconnection of the hydraulic device and / or the sensor means of the hydraulic device, in particular to the electrical connections thereof in order to control them. The apparatus according to the present invention will typically include a control unit or system that performs the task, among other things, of controlling the hydraulic device according to the present invention (101 with reference to the examples of Figure 15 and Figure 16). In this regard, the hydraulic device according to the present invention may also have its own control circuit. The latter can be applied at least partially to the hydraulic device or incorporated therein and housed at least partially, for example in the body of the hydraulic device. The control circuit of the hydraulic device can be adapted to be connected or integrated into the control system of the apparatus.

These connections allow, for example, that the heating circuit be recharged automatically and / or that the hydraulic device is diagnosed automatically; This will also be explained below when describing the methodological aspects of the present invention.

As mentioned, one aspect of the present invention also relates to a hydraulic system; said hydraulic system can be, for example, of the type adapted to heat and / or cool water, in particular for domestic use. In general, a hydraulic system according to the present invention can supply hot and / or cold water for different purposes, for example sanitary water and heating water, and can be installed, for example, in an apartment, a house or a building.

A hydraulic device according to the present invention (for example, as described above) can be advantageously included in such a system in order to allow said system to be filled, in particular manually or automatically, and / or recharged, in particular automatically .

In the case of a water heating system, the system may comprise a hydraulic apparatus according to the present invention (for example, as described above).

The system according to the present invention may comprise at least a first hydraulic circuit for sanitary water and a second hydraulic circuit for heating water. Said two hydraulic circuits may both be connected to a hydraulic device according to the present invention; in particular, the hydraulic circuit for sanitary water will typically be connected to the uncontrolled outlet of the hydraulic device (i.e., referring to the examples previously described, to the conduit 5 ', 5' ', 5' '', 105 'or 105 ''), while the hydraulic circuit for heating water will typically be connected to the controlled outlet of the hydraulic device (i.e., referring to the previously described examples, the conduit 7 ', 7' ', 7' '', 107 'or 107' '). With respect to the inlet of the hydraulic device (i.e., referring to the previously described examples, the conduit 6 ', 6' ', 6' '', 106 'or 106' '), this can be connected to a pipe of a water network or associate with it, for example the public water network; In the latter case, some tubes that provide a connection with a meter will typically be arranged between the pipe and the inlet of the device.

Also, the hydraulic system according to the present invention can advantageously comprise an electronic control unit. Said control unit can provide at least all the advantageous aspects described above with reference to the hydraulic equipment, the aspects of which will not be described again in this context.

So far, this description has addressed the structural aspects of the present invention, referring to a hydraulic device, a hydraulic apparatus and a hydraulic system.

The methodological or functional aspects of the present invention will now be described.

The operations for filling and / or recharging a hydraulic system can be made comfortable and easy using the device according to the present invention. Furthermore, if said hydraulic device is provided as a single component, such comfort and ease of use are achieved with very small exterior dimensions that are typically much smaller than those of existing solutions.

The fluid flow supplied to the system during a system recharge operation is typically different from the fluid flow (preferably lower than this) supplied to the system during a system filling operation. In fact, filling a hydraulic system (or a hydraulic circuit thereof) requires a large amount of fluid to be supplied to the system (for example, several tens of liters for a system of

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

heating), while recharging a hydraulic system (or a circuit thereof) requires only a small amount of fluid that must be supplied to the system (for example, less than a liter); therefore, in order to fill the system within a reasonable time (for example, a few tens of minutes), it is advantageous for the fluid flow to be high (for example, 1 liter per minute), while in order to recharge The system in a precise manner is acceptable or advantageous if the fluid flow is low (for example, 1 cl per minute).

The hydraulic device according to the present invention provides a method for recharging the system automatically; this is obtained by properly actuating the controllable connection-disconnection means, for example solenoid valve 2 'with reference to the first example of the device or solenoid valves 2' 'and 40' 'or 2' '' and 40 '' ' with reference to the second or third examples of the device, respectively.

The fluid flow rate can be constant or variable. The 3 ', 3' 'and 3' '' taps, for example, provide a high flow, which can be manually adjusted by the user; This fluid flow can be used to fill a system. Solenoid valves 2 ', 2' ', 2' '', 40 '' and 40 '' ', for example, provide a fluid flow (low for solenoid valves 2' and 40 '', high for solenoid valves 2 '', 2 '' 'and 40' '') that can be adjusted automatically, for example by having an electronic control unit (not shown in the drawings) send them suitable electrical signals.

To fill and / or recharge the system, connection-disconnection means can be arranged that are adapted to regulate or adjust the fluid flow.

Advantageously, from a construction point of view, the flow of filling fluid and the flow of refilling fluid can be supplied through the same conduit (with reference to the drawings, the conduits 7 'and 7' '); thus, the hydraulic system or the hydraulic apparatus requires only one hydraulic connection point for both purposes. Alternatively, said flows can be supplied through two very different ducts.

The recharging procedure proves to be particularly effective if the recharging operations are controlled or performed automatically under the control of an electronic control unit and through connection-disconnection means, of course operated or controlled by the same unit.

The control unit can be operated manually through, for example, push buttons of a keyboard associated with the device by means of cables and / or by radio. In this way, the user can decide to start a recharge operation (for example, by pressing a "recharge start" button) when desired or required; the recharge operation will continue automatically; the recharge operation can be terminated next, for example, at the user's discretion (for example, by pressing a "reload stop" push button); therefore, it is a semi-automatic recharge operation. Of course, safety systems can be used to prevent the user from making control errors that could cause damage to devices and / or hydraulic systems.

Alternatively, the control unit can be operated or controlled by one or more sensors; in this way, the entire recharge operation can take place automatically, that is, it can be started, continued and terminated without user intervention; therefore, it is a fully automatic recharge operation. A sensor suitable for operating or controlling the recharge operation is typically a sensor adapted to detect the presence and / or pressure of a fluid in a system. In fact, recharging may be required and, therefore, a recharge operation may be initiated, for example when the fluid pressure is less than a predetermined lower threshold value or when there is not a sufficient amount of fluid in the circuit. The refill operation can be terminated below, for example when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined upper threshold value. Still with regard to the automatic recharge function, the control unit can periodically check the fluid pressure in the system or the fluid level in the system.

Of course, in the same device and / or in the same system, it is possible to provide both a semi-automatic recharge operation and a fully automatic recharge operation.

With respect to the filling function of the system, all the examples of embodiments described above provide filling operations that are carried out or controlled manually (through the 3 'and 3' 'taps).

However, according to the present invention, the advantageous possibility of providing semi-automatic or fully automatic filling operations should not be excluded; of course, hydraulic devices that are different from those described above should be used; however, it is worth noting that the third embodiment example (drawings from figure 11 to figure 14) uses a solution with two servo-assisted solenoid valves in series that can also be applied for this purpose (of course, the tap would be unnecessary or redundant). In this case, the filling operations, which are generally carried out by qualified personnel (for example, an installer or a service technician) can take place substantially, for example, as previously described with reference to recharging operations.

In many applications of the hydraulic device according to the present invention, it may be useful to monitor the fluid that

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

it flows, for example, in a system and / or in one of the hydraulic circuits of the system (for example, the heating water circuit and / or the sanitary water circuit); It may be interesting to monitor, for example, the amount of fluid flowing, the fluid flow rate and the fluid velocity. Said monitoring operation may be provided, for example, through one or more flow sensors associated with the device or integrated therein according to the present invention; in the presence of integrated sensors, said monitoring operation can be carried out without a significant increase in the external dimensions. Said monitoring is particularly effective when performed through an electronic control unit, for example with a microcontroller, electrically connected to the sensor or sensors; In fact, this arrangement not only allows the sensor readings to be detected, but also allows them to be stored, compared with predefined data tables, processed (for example, statistically) and forwarded to a remote monitoring system. Applications of such a monitoring function include, for example, the consumption of hot sanitary water and leaks of the heating circuit.

In many applications of the hydraulic device according to the present invention, it may be useful to monitor the temperature of the flowing fluid, for example, in a system and / or in one of the hydraulic circuits of the system (for example, the heating water circuit and / or the sanitary water circuit). Said monitoring operation can be provided, for example, through one or more temperature sensors associated with the device or integrated in this according to the present invention; in the presence of integrated sensors, said monitoring operation can be carried out without a significant increase in the external dimensions. Said monitoring is particularly effective when performed through an electronic control unit electrically connected to the sensor or sensors; In fact, this arrangement not only allows the sensor readings to be detected, but also allows them to be stored, processed (for example statistically) and forwarded to a remote monitoring system. Applications of such a monitoring function include, for example, signaling a hazardous situation when the water temperature approaches 0 ° C (for example, by setting a threshold value at 4 or 5 ° C), that is, near freezing. .

In some applications of the hydraulic device according to the present invention, it may be useful to monitor the fluid pressure at the inlet or upstream of the hydraulic device according to the present invention. Said monitoring operation may be provided, for example through a pressure sensor associated with the device or integrated therein according to the present invention; in the presence of an integrated sensor, said monitoring operation can be carried out without any significant increase in the external dimensions. Applications of such a monitoring function include, for example, preventing any recharging or filling operations if the inlet pressure of the hydraulic device is inappropriate, for example, lower than a predetermined threshold value, or preventing any recharging or filling operations if Inlet pressure of the hydraulic device is lower than the other measured value, such as the pressure in the heating circuit (this application is made possible by the hydraulic device according to the third example of embodiment); Under these conditions, the control circuit will not open one or more valves adapted to recharge or fill the system, to prevent any backflow towards the entrance of the device or the network. This last problem can also be at least partially solved using a non-return valve as provided for the first two embodiments described above.

As already described, a preferred embodiment of the hydraulic device according to the present invention (which includes both the second and third examples of embodiment) comprises two connection-disconnection devices that are electrically controlled and connected in series; Thus, the automatic recharging system is safe (mostly for unwanted recharging operations), since it is unlikely that two connection-disconnection devices could fail at the same time.

In addition, the use of an electromagnetic control solenoid valve and an electrothermal control solenoid valve for recharging operations offers not only a higher level of safety, but also a higher degree of interference immunity (in fact, while the solenoid solenoid valve can be accidentally activated by electromagnetic noise that is present, for example, in the private or public energy supply network, it would be highly unlikely that the solenoid solenoid valve would suffer such an effect). In this case, during a recharge operation, it will be necessary to operate or control both connection-disconnection devices at the same time.

The use of two different types of valves, that is, an electromagnetic valve (which works quickly) and a thermoelectric valve (which works slowly), can improve the performance of the system, for example by providing a slow closure, thus preventing the known phenomenon called "Water hammer". To this end, the electrical connection of said valves can be very different, so that they can be opened or closed at different times or in different ways; however, in general, an electrical connection of said valves in parallel should not be excluded.

Said preferred embodiment (which includes both the second and third examples of embodiments) makes it possible to establish a diagnostic procedure, in particular a self-diagnostic procedure when carried out through an electronic control station connected to the media. of connection-disconnection and to the sensing means of the hydraulic device, for the hydraulic device according to the present invention. Therefore, it is a matter of verifying the proper functioning of both connection-disconnection devices; with

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

non-limiting reference to the second exemplary embodiment (shown in Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10), said devices are the direct control electrothermal solenoid valve 40 '' and the servo-assisted electromagnetic solenoid valve 2 ''.

The self-diagnosis procedure will be described below with non-limiting reference to the second embodiment example; said procedure starts from an initial situation in which both solenoid valve 2 '' and solenoid valve 40 '' are actuated or controlled through electrical signals that keep them in the closed condition, so that Water flows into the duct 7 '' (of course, the turn 3 '' will typically be closed), after which you can proceed, for example, with at least one of the following steps:

A) with solenoid valve 40 '' not activated and, therefore, closed, solenoid valve 2 '' is operated or controlled through electrical signals suitable for opening, and the pressure variation in the circuit connected to the duct 7 '' is detected through sensor 60 ''; if there is a variation in pressure, this means that solenoid valve 40 '' is locked in a partially open or improperly open position; then, the solenoid valve 2 '' is operated or controlled through electrical signals suitable for closing;

B) with solenoid valve 2 '' not activated and, therefore, closed, solenoid valve 40 '' is operated or controlled through electrical signals suitable for opening, and the pressure variation in the circuit connected to the duct 7 '' is detected through sensor 60 ''; if there is a variation in pressure, this means that solenoid valve 2 '' locks in an inappropriate partial or wide open position; then, solenoid valve 40 '' is actuated or controlled by means of electrical signals suitable for closing;

C) solenoid valves 2 '' and 40 '' are operated or controlled through electrical signals suitable for opening, and the pressure variation in the circuit connected to conduit 7 '' is detected through sensor 60 '' ; if no pressure variation occurs, this means that solenoid valve 2 '' and / or solenoid valve 40 '' are locked in a closed position; Next, solenoid valves 2 '' and 40 '' are operated or controlled by electrical signals suitable for closing.

If during any of these stages, said electronic control unit detects an anomalous situation, that is, a valve locked in the closed position or in a partially or widely open position, it is advantageous to provide an alarm indication, for example through signals visual and / or acoustic, and / or send alarm signals to a remote electronic system; Of course, these operations can be carried out easily and effectively by the electronic control unit.

If a fault is detected, the control system can also stop the operation of the entire device, or it can even activate other safety devices or valves, such as a connection-disconnection valve located upstream of said system or network connection of water.

Likewise, it can be conceived that such signaling is provided as soon as a defective condition is detected; for example, if stage A) is performed and the solenoid valve 40 '' is found to be defective, steps B) and C) can be omitted.

According to the autodiagnostic procedure described above, the solenoid valves are operated or controlled sometimes simultaneously and sometimes alternately; Said procedure can be carried out repeatedly or periodically (for example, once a day, once a week, once a month, once a year), preferably automatically. This applies especially, for example, to environmental heating boilers for use in homes and buildings.

The advantages of the present invention are apparent from the above description.

Of course, the main advantage of the present invention is that it allows automatic and / or semi-automatic recharge and / or filling operations; among other things, this can be achieved without any significant increase in the external dimensions, especially if the hydraulic device according to the present invention is provided with only one hydraulic component, in particular a device in which various parts or components are integrated into a single body or a single set. Filling operations can be carried out in a completely manual way or in a semi-automatic way; however, they can also be carried out completely automatically.

If such operations (one or both) are carried out through electrical connection-disconnection means that allow fluid flow adjustment, they can provide very accurate results even in the presence of variable fluid flows.

One or more sensors of the same type or of different types can be used for different functions of

monitoring; In this case too, this is achieved without any substantial increase in the external dimensions, especially if the hydraulic device according to the present invention is provided with only one hydraulic component. By using two connection-disconnection devices connected in series, it is advantageously possible to increase the inherent operational safety of the hydraulic device.

5

Furthermore, thanks to the presence of said two devices, it is possible to provide a diagnostic or self-diagnostic function for the hydraulic device.

These advantages of the hydraulic device also have similar advantages for the applications of said device, for example hydraulic devices, typically gas boilers for domestic use or buildings, and for hydraulic systems that use it.

Claims (34)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') for hydraulic systems, preferably for water heating systems, comprising at least one body (4 ', 4' ', 4' '') provided of an inlet duct (6 ', 6' ', 6' ''), a first outlet duct (5 ', 5' ', 5' '') and a second outlet duct (7 ', 7' ' , 7 '' '), and connection-disconnecting means (2', 2 '', 2 '' ', 3', 3 '', 3 '' ', 40' ', 40' '') adapted to stop a flow of fluid, in which the inlet duct (6 ', 6' ', 6' '') and the first and second outlet ducts (5 ', 5' ', 5' ''; 7 ' , 7 '', 7 '' ') are in fluid communication within said body (4', 4 '', 4 '' '), and comprising said connection-disconnection means (2', 2 '', 2 ' '', 3 ', 3' ', 3' '', 40 '', 40 '' ') at least two connection-disconnection devices (2', 2 '', 2 '' ', 3', 3 '', 3 '' ', 40' ', 40' '') adapted to affect a fluid flow in said second outlet duct (7 ', 7' ', 7' ''), characterized in that said first outlet duct (5 ', 5' ', 5' '') communicates directly with said inlet duct (6 ', 6' ', 6' ''), and by which said connection-disconnection means (2 ', 2' ', 2' '', 3 ', 3' ', 3' '', 40 '', 40 '' ') are adapted to be in at least a first, a second and a third operating configuration, said first operating configuration being such that prevent fluid flow from said inlet duct (6 ', 6' ', 6' '') to said second outlet duct (7 ', 7' ', 7' ''), said second operating configuration being such that a first amount of fluid flow be allowed from said inlet duct (6 ', 6' ', 6' '') to said second outlet duct (7 ', 7' ', 7' ''), said said third operation configuration such that a second amount of fluid flow is allowed from said inlet duct (6 ', 6' ', 6' '') to said second outlet duct (7 ', 7' ', 7' ' '). 2. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to claim 1, characterized in that said first quantity is smaller than said second quantity, or said first quantity and / or said second quantity are adjustable. 3. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein said second operating configuration corresponds to a system recharge operation. 4. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said third operating configuration corresponds to a system filling operation. 5. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said second outlet duct (7 ', 7' ', 7' '') comprises a duct bypass (9 ', 9' ', 9' '') and a main duct (11 ', 11' ', 11' '') connected in parallel, said bypass duct (9 ', 9' ', 9 '' ') suitable for system filling operations. 6. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one first connection-disconnection device (3 ', 3' ', 3' '') adapted to stop or control or adjust a fluid, at least in said bypass duct (9 ', 9' ', 9' ''). 7. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises at least a second connection-disconnection device (2 ', 2' ', 2' '') adapted to control or adjust a fluid flow in said main conduit (11 ', 11' ', 11' ''). 8. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to claim 7, characterized in that said second connection-disconnection device (2 ', 2' ', 2' '') comprises a solenoid valve of electromagnetic or electrothermal control that provides a direct connection-disconnection or servo-assisted action. 9. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that said main duct (11 ', 11' ', 11' '') is adapted to be used for system recharge operations. 10. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises at least a third connection-disconnection device (40 '', 40 '' ') adapted to affect a flow of fluid in said second outlet duct (7 ', 7' ', 7' ''). 11. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to claim 10, characterized in that said second connection-disconnection device (2 ', 2' ', 2' '') and said third device of connection-disconnection (40 '', 40 '' ') are arranged in series with respect to the flow of fluid in said main conduit (11', 11 '', 11 '' '). 12. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that said third connection-disconnection device (40 '', 40 '' ') is adapted to control or adjusting a fluid flow in said main conduit (11 ', 11' ', 11' ''). 13. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that said third connection-disconnection device (40 '', 40 '' ') comprises a valve solenoid of electromagnetic or electrothermal control, in particular providing a direct connection or disconnection or servo-assisted action. 14. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 body (4 ', 4' ', 4' '') has two seats (4'a, 4'c, 4''a, 4''c, 4 "'a, 4"' c, 4 "" a ), respectively adapted to at least partially accommodate said two connection-disconnection devices (2 ', 2' ', 2' '', 3 ', 3' ', 3' '', 40 '', 40 '' ' ), in particular said second connection-disconnection device (2 '' ') and said third connection-disconnection device (40' ''), said seats (4 '' 'a, 4' '' 'a) being preferably near or next to each other and / or preferably transverse, in particular substantially orthogonal, to said second outlet duct (7 '' '), in particular to said main duct (11' ''). 15. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said two connection-disconnection devices (2 ', 2' ', 2' '', 3 ', 3' ', 3' '', 40 '', 40 '' '), in particular said second connection-disconnection device (2', 2 '', 2 '' ') and said third connection device disconnection (40 '', 40 '' ') comprise electrical connection means, preferably connected in such a way that said connection disconnection devices can be operated or controlled jointly or separately, in particular through the same or respective electrical signals. 16. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises sensor means (30 ', 60' ', 60' ''), in particular at least a flow, temperature or pressure meter adapted to generate, directly or indirectly, a corresponding electrical measurement signal. 17. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one first sensor (30 ') integrated or applied or associated with said inlet duct (6') or said first outlet duct (5 '), and / or at least a second sensor (60' ', 60' '') integrated or applied or associated with said second outlet duct (7 '', 7 '' ' ), preferably a pressure or pressure difference meter. 18. Hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a single component adapted to allow both system filling operations and system recharge operations. 19. Procedure for managing a hydraulic system, which comprises a first hydraulic circuit for sanitary water and a second hydraulic circuit for heating water in fluid communication with one another, including the procedure a system filling operations and system recharge operations of the second section, characterized in that the system is provided with a hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' ''), preferably as a single component, adapted to allow both system filling operations and recharge operations of the system, characterized in that said hydraulic device (1 ', 1' ', 1' '') has the characteristics set forth in one or more of claims 1 to 18, and that during a system recharge operation, the system is fed with a first amount of fluid flow from the sanitary water section, while during a system filling operation, the system is fed with a to the second amount of fluid flow from the sanitary water section. 20. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that said first quantity and / or said second quantity are adjustable or controlled, and said flows being supplied to the system through the same conduit (7 ', 7' ', 7' ''). 21. Method according to any of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that the start and / or end of a recharge operation are linked to the detection of the presence and / or pressure of a fluid in said system or in a network of water connected to said system or associated with it. 22. Method according to any of claims 19 to 21, characterized by monitoring the amount of fluid flowing in said system or in a water network connected to said system or associated with it, in particular through a sensor of flow (30 ') and an electronic control unit. 23. Method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that during a recharging operation of the system, a fluid flow is supplied to the system through at least two connection-disconnection devices (2 '', 2 ' '', 40 '', 40 '' ') connected in series. 24. Hydraulic apparatus, in particular a water heating apparatus, characterized in that it comprises at least one hydraulic device according to any one of claims 1 to 18. 25. Hydraulic apparatus according to claim 24, comprising first hydraulic coupling means that must be connected to a first hydraulic circuit for sanitary water and second hydraulic coupling means that must be connected to a second hydraulic circuit for heating water, characterized in that said coupling means are connected to said hydraulic device. 26. Hydraulic apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that said first outlet duct (5 ', 5' ', 5' '') of the hydraulic device is connected to said first coupling means and said second outlet duct (7 ' , 7``, 7 '' ') of the hydraulic device is connected to said second coupling means. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 27. Hydraulic apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that said inlet duct (6 ', 6' ', 6' '') of the hydraulic device is adapted to be connected to a pipe of the main or associated network with the same. 28. Hydraulic apparatus according to any one of claims 26 and 27, characterized in that it comprises an electronic control unit electrically connected to said connection-disconnection means (2 ', 2' ', 2' '', 3 ', 3' ' , 3 '' ', 40' ', 40' '') to activate or control its connection-disconnection action and / or to said sensor means (30 ', 60' ', 60' '') to detect or receive its readings . 29. Hydraulic apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that said control unit is adapted to carry out automatic and / or semi-automatic and / or manual recharge operations, as well as automatic and / or semi-automatic and / or manual filling operations. 30. Hydraulic system comprising a first hydraulic circuit for sanitary water and a second hydraulic circuit for heating water and a hydraulic device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that said hydraulic circuits are connected to the hydraulic device. 31. Hydraulic system according to claim 30, characterized in that said first outlet duct (5 ', 5' ', 5' '') of the device is connected to said hydraulic circuit for sanitary water and said second outlet duct (7 ' , 7 '', 7 '' ') of the device is connected to said hydraulic circuit for heating water, in particular said inlet duct (6', 6 '', 6 '' ') adapted to be connected to a pipeline the main network or associate with it. 32. Hydraulic system according to any one of claims 30 or 31, characterized in that it comprises an electronic control unit electrically connected to said connection-disconnection means (2 ', 2' ', 2' '', 3 ', 3' ' , 3 '' ', 40' ', 40' '') to activate or control its connection-disconnection action and / or to said sensor means (30 ', 60' ', 60' '') to detect or receive its readings , said control unit being preferably adapted to carry out automatic and / or semi-automatic and / or manual recharge operations, as well as automatic and / or semi-automatic and / or manual filling operations. 33. Hydraulic system according to claim 32, characterized in that said control unit is adapted to carry out automatic diagnostics. 34. Hydraulic system according to any one of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that it comprises a hydraulic apparatus according to one or more of claims 25 to 30.